In a recent episode of the Breakfast Club Podcast, Rema, one of Afrobeats’ fastest-rising stars, shared his thoughts on his growing influence and impact on the genre. With confidence, he addressed his role in the Afrobeats movement and what it means to be considered a legend in the game.
“Respect to the OGs, But I’m One of Them Now”
During the interview, Rema made a bold statement, asserting his place among the OGs in Afrobeats. He emphasized that his impact goes beyond having hit songs, noting:
“Respect to the OG’s, but I’m one of them now, and if you look at it, my impact on Afrobeats has been huge. It’s not just about having hit songs—plenty of people have those—it’s about the impact.”
The success of Rema’s 2022 global hit “Calm Down” has not only skyrocketed his career but also influenced the larger music industry. According to him, it was the success of this track that led major awards like the Grammys to introduce an Afrobeats category at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. This monumental shift in global recognition of Afrobeats culminated in Tyla winning the inaugural Best Afrobeats Performance award with her song “Water.”
“Times Have Changed”
Rema further expressed that being recognized as a legend or an icon no longer requires age. He reflected on how the music industry has evolved, allowing young artists like himself to achieve legendary status based on their contributions. In his words:
“I don’t like to brag about it. I don’t put my plaque in the house to feel myself with that ego. Times have changed, you don’t need to be old before you can be a legend or an icon that inspires the next generation. Must I be 30 years old before you could give me that flower?”
Global Impact of Afrobeats
From performing in arenas across three cities in India to having crowds sing Afrobeats word for word, Rema’s influence has reached far beyond Nigeria’s borders. He spoke proudly about the doors his success has opened for other Afrobeats artists on the global stage, positioning the genre as a force in world music.
With humility and determination, Rema remains focused on continuing to break barriers without letting ego get in the way of his craft. His message to the world is clear—legendary status isn’t determined by age, but by the impact one leaves behind.
As Rema continues to inspire the next generation, it’s evident that his legacy in Afrobeats is only beginning to take shape.
